Overview
- ANICA’s selection committee, meeting before a notary, chose the film from 24 eligible titles and publicly named its members.
- The pick was widely viewed as an upset over higher-profile contenders by Ferzan Özpetek, Mario Martone, Silvio Soldini and Paolo Genovese.
- No American distributor has been announced, and the team is seeking one to enable a qualifying release and an awards campaign.
- Key dates are set: the international-feature shortlist on December 16, 2025, nominations on January 22, 2026, and the Oscars ceremony on March 15, 2026.
- Adapted from Luigi Celeste’s autobiography, the drama premiered in Venice’s Orizzonti section where Francesco Gheghi won best actor.